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Austin College announces the largest single gift in the College’s history, a $20 million bequest from the estate of Clifford J. Grum. The gift will fully fund the Westminster Scholarship Program for Presbyterian students to attend Austin College with full tuition paid, beginning in the 2024-2025 academic year.

Austin College was founded in 1849 as a Presbyterian institution, and is the oldest college in Texas operating under its original charter. The gift comes on the eve of the College’s 175th year.

Clifford J. Grum, who graduated from Austin College in 1956, was known as a successful businessman and a dedicated civic leader. He also served in leadership roles in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and on the Austin College Board of Trustees. In 1989, Grum created the Westminster Fund for scholarships to benefit the children of Presbyterian Church (USA) clergy and staff, which has provided access to an Austin College education for generations of Presbyterian students. 

With this gift, the Westminster Scholarship Program will now cover full tuition for any student on the membership roll of a Presbyterian Church (USA) congregation.

The fund will additionally cover room and board for children of PC(USA) clergy and staff.

“In this time of rising costs, this bequest adds to Austin College’s robust gift-aid program and is reflective of our unwavering commitment to remove financial barriers for a college education,” said President Steven P. O’Day, J.D., L.H.D. “The gift bolsters the College’s resources to support young people and deepens the Presbyterian legacy of this campus.”

“The College is profoundly grateful for Clifford’s remarkable generosity,” said Gillian Locke, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “His foresight and commitment exemplify the unparalleled power of philanthropy to create transformative opportunities for Austin College students, today and for generations to come.”

Austin College is located in Sherman, Texas -- one of the fastest growing regions of the state and in the heart of the flourishing North Texas technology corridor. 

For information, contact the Office of Admission: admission@austincollege.edu 

Austin College
900 N. Grand Ave.
Sherman, TX 75090
Austincollege.edu/scholarships